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In the last lesson we briefly referenced Jesus' words in Matthew 7.21-23, but they are worthy of some more in-depth attention at this point in our study.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"
With these words, Jesus establishes a straightforward distinction between "the will of my Father who is in heaven" and "lawlessness." There are image-bearers of God who do the will of the heavenly Father, and there are image-bearers of God who are workers of lawlessness. The first will gain entrance into the kingdom of heaven, and the latter will be told to depart from God.
It is vital, therefore, that we understand the difference between the will of our Creator and lawlessness.
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Eph 5.15-17)